Proposals for Using ARPA Funds -- A Message from the Town Council
As discussed at the July Town Council meeting, the Town of Chevy Chase will receive funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA established the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to help municipalities control the spread of COVID-19, bridge budget shortfalls resulting from economic impacts of the pandemic, fund selected types of infrastructure, and lay a foundation for a strong, equitable economic recovery.
The Town has received numerous suggestions for how best to use ARPA funds for the benefit of Town residents and the wider community, and we have also heard from residents who believe we should not accept the funds or return them to the State. The Council is trying to be deliberate and thorough as we consider potential uses of ARPA funds. So far, we have enlisted the chairs of the Land Use and Climate and Environment committees and Town staff to help us identify potential infrastructure projects. Following up on several residents’ suggestions to use ARPA funds to support Wonders Childcare and Chevy Chase Elementary School tutoring programs, we also will meet with leaders of those organizations to learn how Town ARPA funds could support their programs.
By the end of August, we will compile a list of viable projects to be discussed at the September 9 Town Council meeting. Your thoughtful and specific suggestions are very helpful to the Council as we evaluate whether or how to use our ARPA funds. If you have additional ideas that the Council should consider at the September 9 meeting, please submit them to the Town Office at townoffice@townofchevychase.org [mailto:townoffice@townofchevychase.org] by Friday, August 6, 2021.